1:49 p.m. – We’re about 10 minutes away from tip-off at Bud Walton Arena as the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-5) host Mississippi Valley St. (1-6). MVS is 0-6 against Division 1A teams this season so this could be a nice motivational boost for the Hogs, we’ll find out soon!
2:00 p.m.- Just received word Senior power forward Michael Washington will be back in action today and in the starting lineup, as the Hogs run onto the court now.
2:08 p.m.- Starting lineups have been announced and we’re set for tip-off. Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey will be coaching against former Kentucky teammate, Sean Woods. Both guys were members for UK’s legendary group known as the “Unforgettables.” This marks the second time Pelphrey has coached against a member of his college team, after losing to former head coach Rick Pitino.
2:15 p.m.- Julysses Nobles pours in a three making it 7-4 Hogs now, Delvon Johnson checking in for Michael Washington. Now 10-4 after Marshawn Powell shows versatility knocking down the trey.
2:19 p.m.– We’re at our first timeout on the floor with Arkansas leading 12-6 at the 15:09 mark of the first half. Freshman Marshawn Powell leading all scorers with five points along with three rebounds.
2:28 p.m.- Everyone on press row is paying close attention to the Houston-ECU Conference USA Championship game. The winner will face Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl. In other news, Arkansas leads MVS 19-11 with 11:49 to play here in the first half.
2:35 p.m.- Eastern Carolina wins Conference USA Championship over Houston, 38-32. Looks like Hog football will face the Pirates on January 2nd in Memphis, Tenn. for the Autozone Liberty Bowl.
2:38 p.m.- The Arkansas lead is at ten, 27-17, with 8:31 to play in the first half. Marshawl Powell is at nine poiints and four rebounds to lead all Hogs.
2:40 p.m.– That’s a season high three field goals for senior guard Stef Welsh. He has 10 points now after burying a three to extend the Razorback lead to 11, 30-19. We’re in a media timeout with 7:22 to go before halftime.
2:52 p.m.- It’s getting ugly as the Hogs have extended their lead to 18, 46-28. Be sure and comment on the blog with your breakdown of Razorback basketball thus far in the young 2009-2010 season.
2:56 p.m.- Arkansas is 7-of-12 for a whopping 58% from beyond the arc as power forward Michael Washington sinks a trey. Marcus Britt gets a layup and the Hogs are blowing the Delta Devils out of northwest Arkansas, 50-30, with 1 minute to play in the first half.
2:58 p.m.- Freshman Julysses Nobles drains a three-pointer as the backboard lights up to end the first half. That extends the Arkansas lead to 53-32. Leaders at the half: Stefan Welsh 13 points, Marshawn Powell nine points. Powell and Rotnei Clarke each have four boards, while Powell adds two blocks to his stat line. As a team Arkansas is shooting 53.8% from 3-point land, 76.9% from the free throw line, and 60% overall from the field.
3:16 p.m.- The second half is underway with Arkansas still controlling a large lead, 55-35.
3:23 p.m.- First media timeout of the second half and the Hogs lead is closing in on 30 points, 65-37. Powell and Welsh have 13 each while Jemal Farmer sports 11 points of his own. The Delta Devils are perfect from the charity stripe at 14-for-14.
3:32 p.m. – While many are scurrying to catch the #1 vs. #2 SEC Championship game, the Hogs are still hustling hard on the court. Marcus Britt just made a driving layup then made an incredible effort diving over the Arkansas bench on the Miss. Valley St. inbound. Arkansas is headed for win number three of the season cruising in this one, 73-41, with 11 minutes to go.
3:38 p.m.- First Marshawn Powell lets out a roar with a strong dunk, then Jemal Farmer is on the other end of a Stef Welsh alley-oop and the Razorbacks are putting on show leading 77-46 with 8:30 to go.
3:44 p.m.- Mississippi Valley State’s perfection at the free throw line end at 17-of-17. About the only bright spot they have had this afternoon.
3:50 p.m.– Quick stats update: Jemal Farmer leads all scorers with 18 points, while Welsh and Powell each have 15, respectively. John Pelphrey takes a timeout with 3:31 to go in this affair. Arkansas ahead 86-51.
3:55 p.m- Now we’re at a media timeout. Arkansas bench outscoring Miss Valley State’s 34-9.
3:58 p.m.- Razorbacks passing the ball around trying to kill the clock. Doesn’t look like they will get to 100 in this game, but will settle for an easy victory and improve to 3-5 on the year. Lead is now at 89-52 with a minute and a half to go in this one.
4:01 p.m.– The band has been yelling for Stephen Cos to take a shot. He does. He’s fouled. Now he gets on the board with two free throws much to the delight of Arkansas fans here at Bud Walton Arena.
FINAL- ARKANSAS 91 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE 54… JEMAL FARMER 18 POINTS, STEF WELSH AND MARSHAWN POWELL 15 POINTS, JULYSSES NOBLES 10 POINTS AND SIX ASSISTS.
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-Justin Lewis
UATV Sports Director.